Chapter 45: A Friend of the Mittel Family
Aoba Pa's shout echoed through the Xiao family estate. Many clansmen were startled upon hearing it, but quickly steeled their expressions. It was clear this visit from Aoba Pa was a blatant attempt to strike while the Xiao family was vulnerable. The three great families had always had friction, and this time, the Aoba family clearly came with ill intent.
Thus, there was only one option—fight!
Inside the room, Xiao Yuan narrowed his eyes as he heard the shout.
Aoba Pa had come even faster than he had expected.
Still, it wasn't a major issue.
After all, Yao Lao had always been inside Xiao Yan's ring. This "summon your teacher" plan was just a convenient cover.
Currently, the Xiao family was still weak. Neither he nor Xiao Yan had yet fully matured. If Yao Lao's existence were exposed and the Soul Hall caught wind of it, the consequences would be disastrous.
Xiao Yuan had another reason for predicting Aoba Pa's visit. It wasn't just to strike while the Xiao family was vulnerable—it was also an opportunity to eliminate two of the most dangerous young talents in Wutan City: Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan.
Such a two-birds-one-stone move was exactly the kind of thing a schemer like Aoba Pa would dream of.
But unfortunately, he had no idea that inside Xiao Yan's ring lived a soul form—an alchemist once powerful enough to shake the entire Jia Ma Empire, even now not at full strength—Yao Lao!
Xiao Yu set down the now-empty jade bowl and furrowed her brows.
"Xiao Yuan, that voice sounded like that old bastard Aoba Pa."
A trace of concern crossed her features.
"It's him. Don't worry, I expected this," Xiao Yuan replied, rising to his feet and clenching his fists.
His internal Dou Qi was still incredibly thin—hardly enough to offer any real security.
He needed to get stronger. Relying on Yao Lao once might be excusable, but he couldn't depend on him every time.
After a slight frown, Xiao Yuan walked calmly toward the door.
With the clan leader, the three elders, and the more influential family members all absent, he was now the acting authority of the Xiao family.
Seeing this, Xiao Yu quickly followed and grabbed his arm.
Xiao Yuan felt the soft sensation on his arm and turned to flash her a knowing smile.
Hand in hand, the two walked out. Along the way, many clansmen saw them and quickly followed.
Xiao Yuan nodded slightly to his people as his steps grew firmer.
Aoba Pa wanted to take advantage of their vulnerability?
Let him be ready to be burned instead.
When Xiao Yuan arrived at the main gate of the Xiao residence, he saw two guards lying on the ground—fate unknown. Aoba Pa stood there with a despicable smile on his face.
Behind him were three elders and a group of Aoba family members.
"Well, if it isn't Nephew Xiao Yuan."
Aoba Pa greeted with a fake, cordial smile as he saw Xiao Yuan emerge with a group of Xiao clansmen.
"Get lost, shameless old dog. Who's your nephew?!"
Xiao Yuan immediately barked back with fury.
The Xiao clansmen behind him straightened their backs and glared fiercely at the Aoba family.
Aoba Pa's smile froze instantly and then turned grim.
"Putting on that old face like anyone cares. Showing up to rob us and you still try to act friendly," Xiao Yuan sneered.
He had just sensed the subtle but potent soul energy of Yao Lao.
He had nothing to fear now.
"Well, well, you've got guts!" Aoba Pa's voice turned cold. His Dou Qi exploded outward, sending a wave of pressure directly at Xiao Yuan.
"Hmph!"
Xiao Yuan, still weakened, could hardly bear the pressure from a Da Dou Shi, but stepping back now would show weakness. He grunted and stood like a nail, shielding Xiao Yu behind him.
"You brat, you refuse to drink the toast, so you'll drink the punishment!"
Aoba Pa's expression darkened as he lunged at Xiao Yuan.
"Stop!"
A firm, familiar voice rang out.
Aoba Pa paused in confusion. Two figures suddenly leapt over the Xiao family wall. An attack immediately followed, forcing Aoba Pa to retreat.
"Miss Ya Fei? Master Gu Ni?"
Seeing the two appear before Xiao Yuan, Aoba Pa's expression twisted in surprise.
"Patriarch Aoba," Ya Fei said coldly, standing half in front of Xiao Yuan, "Xiao Yuan is a friend of the Mittel family. If you touch him, you're declaring war on us."
Aoba Pa's pupils contracted.
Ya Fei was the chief auctioneer of the Mittel Auction House in Wutan City. Her words and actions could represent the auction house—but not necessarily the Mittel clan.
Yet her words now suggested that Xiao Yuan had a deeper connection than mere flirtation.
Of course, she might also be exaggerating, using the Mittel family's name to scare him off.
But regardless, making a move today would definitely provoke Ya Fei. And with Master Gu Ni's presence and his earlier intervention, it was clear—Xiao Yuan could not be touched!
Damn it. How did this pretty boy manage to completely seduce even Ya Fei?
Aoba Pa's face flickered between green and pale.
"Ya Fei Jie, Master Gu Ni, thank you."
Xiao Yuan wasn't surprised. He stepped forward with a light smile.
"You're too polite, Young Master Xiao Yuan," Gu Ni replied warmly.
"Good thing my people reported to me in time. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made it. Next time you're planning something this big, you'd better give me a heads-up," Ya Fei said softly, her face showing a trace of annoyance.
"Hehe, it was a sudden decision," Xiao Yuan replied with an apologetic smile.
Seeing Gu Ni's respect toward Xiao Yuan, Aoba Pa realized—Xiao Yuan's talent had likely drawn the Mittel family's attention. Fighting the Xiao family openly now was no longer an option.
Better to retreat and plan again. The Aoba family couldn't afford to offend the Mittel clan.
"Miss Ya Fei, if your Mittel family wants to protect the Xiao family, I'll give you that courtesy. Farewell."
Aoba Pa forced a stiff smile, barely suppressing his frustration, and turned to leave.
"Heh… you think you can touch my disciple and just walk away?"
Suddenly, a cold and domineering voice echoed out of nowhere.
Xiao Yuan's brow twitched slightly.
Did I… just gain a Dou Zun master out of nowhere?
"Who's there?!"
Aoba Pa's face darkened. Just as he shouted—
A black-robed figure appeared in the courtyard without warning.
(END CHAPTER)
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